BASEL OFFICE - Nautical Compliance Manager

Viking (NYSE: VIK) is a global leader in experiential travel with a fleet of more than 100 ships, exploring 21 rivers, five oceans and all seven continents. Designed for curious travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers experiences For The Thinking Person™. Viking has more than 450 awards to its name, including being rated #1 for Rivers and #1 for Oceans five years in a row by Condé Nast Traveler in the 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. Viking is also rated a “World’s Best” by Travel + Leisure—no other travel company has simultaneously received such honors by both publications.

Please note that we can only accept applicants who are eligible to work in Switzerland or in possession of a valid work permit.

ROLE DESCRIPTION

• The Compliance Manager is responsible for the operational ownership, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the Safety Management System within river cruise operations.
• Carries end-to-end responsibility for safety performance, incident analysis, certification readiness, and regulatory compliance, including defining escalation thresholds and decision paths.
• The position requires a strong analytical mindset, with the ability to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities and translate them into measurable safety outcomes in a safety-critical operational environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Safety Management System Ownership
• Own, maintain, and continuously improve the Safety Management System in line with applicable regulations and ISO standards.
• Ensure procedures remain current, accurate, and effectively implemented across fleet and office environments.
• Translate regulatory and operational changes into clear, practical guidance.

Incident Analysis & Safety Performance
• Own the incident analysis and investigation framework, including severity classification, methodology, and quality assurance.
• Lead or oversee incident investigations, ensuring robust data collection, root cause analysis, and consistent documentation.
• Translate findings into preventive measures, procedural improvements, and training input.

Certification, Audits & Regulatory Interfaces
• Lead the preparation, coordination, and follow-up of external audits and certifications (ISO 45001, ISO 14001, SUVA, and related schemes).
• Act as an operational point of contact for auditors and support structured interaction with authorities when required.
• Coordinate internal audits and corrective action tracking, ensuring timely and sustainable closure.

Leadership & Team Coordination
• Ensure consistent quality, prioritization, and methodological alignment across compliance team activities.
• Support professional development and ensure consistent application of standards and methodologies.
• Take ownership of outcomes, requiring sound judgment and a coaching mindset.

Data, Analytics & Continuous Improvement
• Define, monitor, and analyze safety-related KPIs and performance indicators.
• Identify trends across incidents, near-misses, audits, and safety observations.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives based on data-driven insights.

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
• Act as a central interface for safety and compliance matters with operational departments and support functions.
• Contribute to safety communication, steering committee meetings, and structured reporting.
• Ensure clear, consistent, and practical communication of safety-related topics.

Measurable Goals
• Sustained effectiveness and maturity of the Safety Management System, demonstrated through audit outcomes, system reviews, and operational performance.
• High-quality incident analysis with timely identification of root causes and reduction of recurring systemic issues.
• Continuous audit readiness, with timely closure of corrective and preventive actions.
• Improved consistency, reliability, and usability of safety-related data for management and operational decision-making.
• Demonstrable improvement of safety performance indicators year-on-year.
• Stable and predictable safety performance trends, with deviations identified early, transparently analyzed, and systematically addressed.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong analytical and structured thinking, with the ability to interpret complex safety and operational data.
• Solid understanding of safety management systems and compliance frameworks in regulated environments.
• Confident communicator with the ability to balance regulatory requirements and operational realities.
• Reliable, resilient, and solution-oriented, with sound judgment under pressure.
• Several years of experience in safety, compliance, HSEQ, or incident investigation roles within a regulated or safety-critical industry.
• Strong working knowledge of ISO 45001 and ISO 14001; auditor or incident investigation certification is an asset.
• Fluency in English is required; German is an advantage.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 tools, particularly Excel and SharePoint.

COMMUNITY & CULTURE

• Fast-growing and dynamic environment, a modern workspace, flexible working hours

HOW TO APPLY